The National Communications Authority (NCA) has promised it will soon make the 4G spectrum available to mobile network operators that do not currently have access to the technology due to the regulator’s constraints.
Currently, MTN is the only telco that offers 4G to its customers – having purchased the spectrum in excess of US$67 million at an auction in 2015 by the NCA before rolling out a year later.
Rolling out the 4G service made MTN the only mobile telecom operator to run the service, further entrenching its position as the market leader in both data and voice subscription.
After a clamour by the other telecom operators to be granted some sort of access to deploy the 4G technology, the regulator – led by Joe Anokye as Director-General – has promised an equitable distribution of the 4G resource.
Speaking at a send-off party organised by the Ghana Chamber of Telecoms for ex-AirtelTigo boss Roshi Motman and ex-MTN Ghana boss Ebenezer Asante, Mr. Anokye said very soon the other telcos will be granted permission to deploy the fourth-generation technology.
“One of the hallmarks of a good regulator is predictability – making sure that there is equity in the ecosystem. There are things we are working on. I know that 4G spectrum has been a challenge, but we promise you that not too long from now you will hear from us.
“We will make sure there is equity or equitable access to 4G spectrum,” Mr. Anokye said at the gathering attended by top management of all the mobile network operators, as well as other heads of department under the Communication Ministry.
The move by the NCA suggests that MTN, which paid US$67.5million for the 4G licence, will still be granted some advantage over use of the technology for the sake of fairness.
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